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Photo:
Western Columbine
Crimson Columbine
Latin Name:
Aquilegia formosa
Common wildflower with showy red and yellow flowers
Taxon ID#
6
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Level:
Low
Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Sun Preference:
Partial Sun
Water Preference:
M
Soil Preference:
Average, medium moisture, well-drained. Rich moist soils in part shade are preferred.
Fertilizer Needs:
Recommended Mulch:
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Origins:
Plant Type:
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Native to western North America
Oregon native:
yes
Western state native:
yes
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Foliage Color:
Green
Foliage Description:
Basal and lower stem leaves on long petioles divided 2-3 times, upper leaves sessile or nearly so.
Fragrant:
no
Predominant flower color:
Red
Flower Description:
Pendant, red and yellow, 2" across with straight spurs and golden stamens
Fall color:
no
Fall Color Description:
Winter Foliage:
Deciduous
Winter Interest:
no
Winter Interest Description:
Mature height:
1.5' to 3'
Mature spread:
24"
Growth rate:
Fast
LANDSCAPE APPLICATION
Deer Resistant:
yes
Fire Resistant:
yes
Attracts Pollinators:
yes
Attracts Butterflies:
yes
Native Habitat:
Can be found in a wide variety of habitats within its native range.
Attracts Birds:
yes
Cut/Dried Flowers:
no

Photo:
Pat Kolling
Used by Wildlife:
no
Hedge/Screen:
no
Swales:
no
Wildlife Use:
Border:
yes
Erosion Control:
no
Windbreak:
no
Cover Structures:
no
Ground Cover:
no
Provides Shade:
no
Rock Garden:
yes
Adds Texture/Movement:
no
First Bloom:
May
Last Bloom:
Aug
Ornamental Accent:
yes
Garden Observations:
SEASONAL CARE
Spring Care:
Summer Care:
Deadheading
Fall Care:
Cut to ground when foliage declines
Winter Care:
Long Term Care:
Insect Pests:
No serious pests
Wildlife Pests:
Diseases:
No serious diseases
Environmental Problems:
Dislikes poorly drained soils
Landscape Problems:
None
Care Comments:
Do not let soil completely dry out
RESOURCES
OSU Landscape Profile:
USDA Plants:
Calscape Database:
LBJ Native Plant Database:
Missouri Botanical Garden Database:
Monrovia Profile:
Alternate Source 1:
Alternate Source 2:
Source Comment:

George & Vickie Minor
Whistle Stop Farm & Flowers
Empire Stone
Instant Landscape
McPheeter's Turf
High Desert Farms Nursery Sales
Thank you!
Join an OSU Master Gardener managed community garden this summer!
Put your name in the lottery to get a plot at either Hollinshead's or Discovery Park's community garden.
More information for: Discovery Park Garden


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